Is Kyoto Safe for Solo Female Travelers?

Kyoto is known for its high standard of safety and tourism-friendly environment. Japanese culture emphasizes respect and consideration for others, creating a very safe atmosphere for travelers. The city is well-maintained, clean, and well-lit, making navigation at any hour safe. While it's always key to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings, it is rare to encounter unsafe or uncomfortable situations even when traveling alone here. Furthermore, the local community is generally receptive and helpful to tourists, enhancing the overall safety of your travels.

Safety rating

4.1 /5

Based on 5 experiences from female travelers

4.7 /5

Based on our research and crime data

4.4 /5

Based on 4 experiences from local women

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How safe is Kyoto?

Safety at night:Very safe

Kyoto is regarded as a very safe city to walk alone at night. The streets are well-lit and the crime rate in Kyoto is low compared to many other international cities. Locals are usually helpful and respectful. Nevertheless, as with any place, it's always a good idea to stay vigilant especially in less crowded areas or during the very late hours. But overall, it offers a secure setting for solo female travelers.

Public transportation:Very safe

Public transportation in Kyoto is known to be safe and reliable. Buses, trains and metros operate within proper schedules and are often very punctual. Crime rates, especially those affecting tourists, are extremely low. As a solo female traveler, you will find that locals are very respectful and helpful. However, as in any country, it is always recommended to maintain normal precautionary measures.

Street harassment:Very low

Kyoto is generally a safe place for solo female travellers when it comes to street harassment. The culture respects personal space and the locals are typically polite and reserved. Instances of verbal or physical harassment are very rare. It is also a city with low crime rates, making it a comfortable and secure destination for women travelling alone. As in all places, it's still recommended to maintain a level of caution and awareness of your surroundings.

Petty crimes:Very low

Kyoto is widely known as one of the safest cities not just in Japan, but in the world. Petty crimes like pick-pocketing, bag-snatching or similar are extremely rare. Local people are generally trustworthy, respectful and helpful. However, as in any city, it's always wise to stay alert and be aware of your surroundings at all times.

Is Kyoto worth visiting?

Overall rating

4 /5

based on 5 experiences from female travelers

Things to do

3.9/5

Safety

4.1/5

Food

3.2/5

Budget-friendly

3.5/5

Duygu

Japan

Solo travel

I feel very safe, but I don't like the food. Tokyo's food is much better than Kyoto's. Kyoto is a very quaint city with not much activity. I am staying in a hostel by myself and haven't had much opportunity to meet anyone. However, the people of Kyoto are nice.

Posted: June 16, 2024Experienced: May, 2024

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Jessica

United States

Solo travel

Fantastic! Best first solo travel experience. Cheap food, amazing culture, extremely friendly Japanese folks ready to help you out. Many of them speak English too! I never felt unsafe as a petite female.

Posted: June 7, 2024

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Solo travel

Kyoto The city I have always wanted to see. [Even in Kyoto— hearing the cuckoo’s cry— I long for Kyoto] ~ Matsuo Basho's haiku I felt very connected to this city. As an artist, I love quiet and old environments. Unfortunately, the Kyoto I imagined in my head was completely different from the reality. In my mind, Kyoto was a symbol of unforgettable beauty. Don’t get me wrong; I think Kyoto is beautiful, but it feels like an old poem whose words no longer come together, even though they once had meaning. I wish I could have stayed in Kyoto when it was the capital. I want to see houses that were owned by feudal lords long ago. I wish I could feel love under the moon of Kyoto... but this moon felt different. I think the air is different in a place where legends of death remain.

Posted: May 24, 2024Experienced: April, 2024

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Jinn

Australia

Solo travel

It’s gentle and quiet. It’s about magic. The most loved one on my lists. Safety is not a thing one needs to concern here. I took slow trains, passing every station. I visited heaps of handmade shops there. Everyone has a lot to tell. Just feel, just experience and let all experiences flow through you, and where they passed will become a part of you.

Posted: May 21, 2024

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Is Kyoto safe for women?

Safety index

4.4 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

Crime index

1 /5

Based on 4 local experiences

while Japan can sometimes be a little scarier in terms of sexual harassment (especially Tokyo or Osaka) I haven’t had any experiences that went beyond weird stares on the train. You still have to be careful with stalkers and being followed on the street at nighttime.

Posted: January 31, 2025

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Lera

I would say its pretty safe and often come home late and never had any unsafe situations. In general I would say that about Japan. I had a little situation in a train during rush hour but I still think it’s safer than most places

Posted: January 16, 2025

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Meet locals in Kyoto

Franzi

About Me

hi! I‘m franzi and I‘m an exchange student from Ireland :) I‘ll be in Japan for a year and I‘m trying to travel around Asia during my stay. I’m open to showing you around the little town I call home and meet new people tehee

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Stay with locals in Kyoto

Anny

Kyoto

Can host for:

3 days

About me

Hello, my name is Anny. I am a dreamy Pisces woman, passionate about adventures, going out to dance, and drinking. I enjoy reading and admiring the moon. I love experiencing new things.

Speaking

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Upcoming visitors to Kyoto

Maria

About Me

I'm a 34y/o woman from Mexico. I use a lot of SpongeBob memes when texting and if you like Tv shows like The Office, HIMYM, Friends and all that drill, we'll probably get a long in the first 5 minutes. I'm super chill, easy going, respectful and considerate. I appreciate people who share the same values. Just a lot of common sense.